Rugby Australia Rookie of the Year Andrew Kellaway has re-committed to the Melbourne Rebels and Wallabies until the end of 2024.
In what’s been a positive week for Australian Rugby, the 26-year-old’s signature comes just 48 hours after fellow 2021 Test debutant Izaia Perese also put pen to paper for two more years.
In a further boost for the Rebels, Kellaway was yesterday named to make his first appearance of the year in tomorrow night’s Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific clash with the Brumbies at AAMI Park after recovering from a foot injury.
Sydney-born Kellaway had a breakout season in Wallaby gold last year, making his debut in the victorious France Series in July before going to be selected by Dave Rennie in all but one of the Wallabies' 14 Tests during the international season.
A prolific try-scoring record in his first Test season saw the former Junior Wallabies skipper cross the white line on nine occasions on his way to be nominated for 2021 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year.
Kellaway made his Super Rugby debut for the Waratahs in 2016, playing 22 matches in the sky blue before stints at Northampton (UK), Counties Manuka (New Zealand) and NEC Green Rockets (Japan).
He joined Melbourne in 2020 and has scored eight tries in his 22 appearances for the club.
Wallabies and Melbourne Rebels winger, Andrew Kellaway said: “It was an easy decision to stay in Melbourne and continue representing this great club.”
"It’s been a whirlwind 10 months for me personally, and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity the Rebels gave me to return to Super Rugby last season and really excited about what we can achieve together in the future.
"I feel like Melbourne is home for me now and I can’t thank the players, staff and supporters for welcoming me back with open arms. I’m looking forward to adding as much value as I can both on and off the field over the next three years.
"The same can be said for what’s happening with the Wallabies under Dave Rennie. I really enjoyed my opening season of Test Rugby and I’m really motivated to build on that experience and keep growing as a player, particularly with a Rugby World Cup on the horizon."
Wallabies coach, Dave Rennie said: “Andrew’s a top man and a mature Rugby player who has quickly become an important member of our mob on and off the field.”
“His journey to becoming a Wallaby is well documented and a new contract is reward for his self-belief, determination and hard work.
“We all saw the impact he was able to have in his first year at Test level and his work ethic and professionalism will ensure he continues to put himself in the best position to do that moving forward.”
Melbourne Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson said: “We’re ecstatic to have Andrew re-sign with the Rebels following his breakout international season with the Wallabies.”
“Andrew is a high character individual, and a highly skilled player with international experience, so his commitment is a great reflection on our club and the special culture we’re creating and the exciting young talent we have coming through.”
Andrew Kellaway
Position: Winger/Fullback
Height: 184cm
Weight: 97kg
Born: 12 October 1995
Place of birth: Sydney, New South Wales
Super Rugby debut: 2016 v Melbourne Rebels, Sydney (NSW Waratahs)
Super Rugby caps: 18 (Melbourne Rebels); 22 (NSW Waratahs)
Test debut: 2021 v France, Brisbane
Test caps: 13
